World Funk-Jazz Fusion

10 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: World Fusion, LATIN: Latin Jazz



Details:
THE MATTHEW WILLNER STORY


When Matthew Willner picked up his first guitar in the summer of 1989, he had no idea how that instrument would change his life. Music took hold of him in a way that nothing ever had, and soon became his full time job. Under the tutelage of Tim Reynolds, Matthew explored traditional and non-traditional music. He learned to write his own lyrics and to create his own sound. Itâs a sound that has been entertaining Charlottesville for over a decade.

In 1994, Matthew founded Full Flavor and led the party funk band for five years. At the same time he joined Plutonium, a funk-fusion band comprised of Matthew, Houston Ross, and Johnny Gilmore both former members of Tim Reynolds'(of DMB fame)trio TR3 and Corey Harris' 5x5. They have been gigging regularly ever since. Matthew also led the psychedelic-electronica band, Replicant, for four years, was a member of Peter Griesarâs ( ex-Dave Matthews band keyboardist) Supertanker, and has collaborated with many of the best musicians in Central Virginia.

If youâve ducked into Millerâs any Monday night since 2003, youâve seen Matthew in his element. Grooving with his guitar, sweating under the lights, his energy and exuberance are contagious. Matthew loves to bend a string and stomp a pedal, creating new sounds and a whole new musical attitude. His passion for music led him to expand his knowledge beyond electric and acoustic guitar and he now plays electric bass, harmonica,and numerous obscure stringed and percussion instruments from cultures all over the world.

A local favorite for his psychedelic-funk, blues and electronica performances, Matthewâs first CD will be a surprise to some of his fans. Released in the Spring of 2007, this self-titled debut is a fusion of Latin, funk, jazz and world music. With contributions from artists such as John Dâearth and Darrell Rose and under the production of the legendary Greg Howard, this album explores a different side of Matthew Willner. In addition to a variety of guitars, Matthew plucks a sitar, strums a cura cumbus saz, bangs a Balinese gong and grooves on an array of Latin, Asian and Middle Eastern percussion instruments. The result is music that is passionate and soulful, unpredictable and original. Just like Matthew.